The fight in the dog
Everyone knows the old adage, “It’s not the dog in the fight, it’s the fight in the dog.”
This common cliché is understood to emphasize that determination and spirit, rather than physical size or strength, are the key to success or overcoming challenges.
As I reflect on the Dogies’ winter sports seasons, and ponder the opening weekend of the spring sports seasons, this saying has been playing on repeat in my head.
Head basketball coach Allen Von Eye repeatedly praised his team throughout the season for their never-say-die, leave-it-all-on-the-floor attitude in every game, despite the adversity they faced or the disparity on the scoreboard.
Head boys soccer coach Sally Hoover reiterated this exact idea as she reflected on her team’s opening weekend of play.
Though this may seem like meaningless praise when teams face defeat, in the big picture of life, it is anything but.
I will always stand firm in my belief that participation in high school sports is about so much more than the wins and losses columns. It’s about learning life lessons and becoming a better human being.
In researching the deeper meaning of the phrase, I found the following des-criptions.
The saying focuses on inner strength. It suggests that a person’s resolve and inner drive are more important than their physical attributes when facing adversity or competition.
It can be used to encourage people to believe in themselves and their abilities, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
It highlights the importance of having a strong mind-set, perseverance and the belief in oneself to achieve goals.
It is also often compared to the Biblical story of David and Goliath, where the smaller, seemingly weaker David defeats the giant Goliath through skill, strategy and faith.
It can be so easy to give up when the chips are down, and there is little to no hope in sight. It can be easier to justify a loss by claiming that they won because you didn’t give it your best. It doesn’t feel good to admit that your opponent is better than you.
However, that attitude is not indicative, or predictive, of success in the present or the future.
Inner strength, resolve, believing in yourself, perseverance, persistence, and possessing a strong mind-set are all qualities of successful people, whether on the field or in life.
So when athletes are able to show that kind of strength and resolve in high school sports, it bodes well for their ability to become strong, accomplished adults as they venture out in a world that is going to throw adversity in their faces on repeat.
It’s great to know that our Dogies are building and strengthening their character while giving their all in their sporting endeavors.